Youth Criminal Justice Act

The Youth Criminal Justice Act is a piece of Canadian legislation passed in 2002 that determines the way in which youths are prosecuted under Canada's criminal justice system.

The YCJA replaced the controversial Young Offenders Act which had previously regulated youth crime in Canada. The new act borrowed many of its predecessor's principles, as well as Canada's repealed 1908 Juvenile Delinquent Act.

Among the key principles of the YCJA:

• A "Statement of Principles" that outlines the purpose of Canada's youth justice program (prevention, rehabilitation, and punishment of youth) that was previously lacking in past legislation
• Reduction of trial age from 16 to 14 for presumptive offenses.
• Increases number of extra-judicial measures available to law enforcement
• Re-introduces "Youth Justice Committees" to assist in community supervision and provide services for offender
• Reserves the use of the courts for only the most serious youth crimes
• Gives judges power to impose adult sentences on youths when deemed appropriate
• Provides that last third of youth sentence must be served under community supervision